American Luxury Done Right | 2018 Cadillac XT5 Platinum Review

[@BudFunOne]

Nicest vehicle I’ve ever owned. Thanks for a great comprehensive review

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked it, thanks for checking it out!

[@christiankonig6499]

The headlights are just splendid! They have this particular spaceship attitude, that's what I like most about cars, dashboard is well thought out and designed. Loads of Power, huge sunroof, very impressive! However, the price is also impressive! Nice Video,as always,so keep it up!

[@PRNTestDrive]

The headlights are really underrated, considering most manufacturers are just copying each other, Cadillac went with a very unique approach with theirs.

[@mattangelo1280]

My wife has this truck. Looks, drives, feels, great. Hate the start stop you can disable by dropping to manual and back to drive. The interior is sick in maple sugar, but I think the seats are to narrow I'm 6'1" 250 and just don't fit my legs great. But she loves it.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it!

[@azaz911c]

Hi Nile, interesting perspective on this XT5 Platinum. However, I think it is much too expensive at $70,000+ CAD regardless of how nice it is. The most basic XT5 AWD is nicely equipped at a much more reasonable $47,000 CAD. I suspect that most XT5s will be sold either in the base trim or the next trim level up - the Luxury trim at about $52,000. At these prices, the XT5 is competitive against comfort-biased V6 alternatives like the Lincoln MKX, the Lexus RX350, the Infiniti QX60, or any loaded versions of the dozens of non-luxury brand mid-size SUVs that are available. I perceive these as being the XT5's main competitors. Despite Cadillac making some excellent vehicles, I think Cadillac still suffers from association as "just a GM product". However unfair that may be, I don't think that most shoppers intent on buying a BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Jaguar F-Pace, Audi Q7, or Volvo XC60 will cross shop the Cadillac brand. I agree with you about the start-stop feature. I've experienced it in other GM vehicles, and it ruins the driving experience. GM should either refine it, or allow the user to defeat it.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Great points! The large gap in price range certainly helps to sell this vehicle, as you mentioned the base model is likely the best seller, and gets people into the brand without having to spend a fortune. The one thing we appreciate is the uniqueness for this, despite as you said it being a Just a GM Product. We had the Buick Enclave and currently have the GMC Acadia, and all three feel very different on the inside and out. I'm glad the XT5 isn't just a badge-engineered crossover.

[@Sc0rpy]

Great combination exterior interior decent power this is a nearly perfect car well done cadillac 🔥🔥🔥👍🏽👍🏽 nice episode as usual mate

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks! We now understand why Cadillac is selling these XT5s like crazy! I believe they're doing a media launch event for the compact XT4 today, I think that's going to become their next golden vehicle.

[@al8603cl]

Just came across this review. I will be buying my wife an XT5 Platinum Edition for her birthday in November. My understanding is the start/stop feature is automatically disengaged in Sport Mode. But, I agree a button to do so would be much preferred. I like your approach to vehicle reviews.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We just featured the 2019 MY a few weeks back along with an episode of TestDrive Showdown comparing it to the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. During our Spotlight episode on the 2019 XT5 we did talk about the changes for 2020, including a physical override button for the stop/start system. Solid car even without the 2020 changes!

[@DeeeBeee123]

I would be looking at this and that sexy jag SUV. Mercedes is just an old lady brand and BMW does everything right but they are just too common now. Who doesn't have a bmw. Love the video

[@PRNTestDrive]

Yeah Jaguar! We're hoping we can approach JLR next year to start getting some of their vehicles. We've spotted a lot of F-Paces out here, it seems to be a popular option for those looking for something other than German luxury.

[@user-ve1jq1ou1f]

What M means in gear paddle

[@PRNTestDrive]

Should be for Manual shifting mode.

[@kantidinda6218]

Great review. I love my XT5. I have a base model which start at $45k CAD

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it! That's the great thing about the XT5 is it's price range, it really offers a wide range of choice for consumers. I'd take it at the base model over the 2018 GMC Acadia we have this week, that's for sure.

[@fredbrochu8322]

In my ATS the stop start feature is turned off when I put it in manual mode. Maybe it'll do the same in this XT5.

[@PRNTestDrive]

That’s certainly a possibility, but I doubt anyone is driving their XT5 in manual mode, they need to add a user-override like they have on the CT6.

[@rdobsrenee9460]

Hi how is that compared to an Infinity QX60

[@PRNTestDrive]

We’d take this over the 2018 QX60 without giving it a second thought. We featured the Infiniti back in the winter, after taking it on a long distance road trip. Wasn’t impressed with it for the price.

[@rdobsrenee9460]

@@PRNTestDrive Thanks

[@INUMIMI28]

I’m not a big fan of the exterior design, the front overhang on C1XX platform was a bit too short for Cadillac design language to fit comfortably

[@PRNTestDrive]

It might not win everyone over, that's for sure. We're really looking forward to get the chance to drive the XT4, despite not being super into crossovers to begin with.

[@vc663]

Btw consumers do have a choice with these auto start stop.. When they test drive they can choose to buy itbor not.

[@PRNTestDrive]

That's a fair point!

[@vince7349]

Hopefully the xt4 will not have start stop with no off button

[@PRNTestDrive]

I seriously hope so! Journalists should have gotten a good look at it yesterday, so I'm expecting to see some videos and photos of it this week. Either have an override, or don't add that 'feature'. I think it was the Alfa Stelvio that waited a good second or two after the car stopped before shutting off the engine, there was one crossover we drove recently that did that and I really want to say it was the Alfa.

[@BryanChance]

Did they not test the stop/start feature in real world conditions? Why no delay before shutting off the engine, after coming to stop. And no way to disable it. Imagine driving in very slow, creeping stop go traffic. Deal breaker for me. And how long will that starter last?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Those are my thoughts exactly. I've driven a few cars that get the stop/start system perfect, with a 1-2 second delay of complete wheel stoppage before engaging. Some vehicles will turn it off even before you've come to a stop. I think the future for these stop/star systems is to be replaced by mild hybrids like we've seen with FCA's eTorque engine and Mercedes' EQ boost technology.

[@10tenman10]

I like it (don't like the panoramic moonroof of course). Stop start is a bit of a gimmick, only good in traffic. Would look at it although I'm seriously thinking about the Acura RDX.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We're hoping to be able to get the 2019 RDX on the show, we're going to see if Honda will have it on their press fleet for the new year.

[@jeanforget5140]

The trunk rack is not a new feature for GM I got the same in my 2007 SAAB 9-5 sport combi . just so you know. And yes it is usefull.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We found it to be useful too as mentioned! It was just a surprise to find it, first vehicle we've driven that has something like that. Helped to keep our camera equipment from moving around in the trunk when driving to filming locations.

[@DeeeBeee123]

The start stop is not jerky at all really in Cadillacs or chevorlets. I've driven them but it is kind of Annoying to hear & feeling the engine crank back up. But as nice as this is I'd probably take that new audi suv

[@PRNTestDrive]

We don't always hate the stop/start systems, but there needs to be a user-override for it. That's what GM is missing on almost all their vehicles.

[@davemcguigan218]

The rack in the back is for drying your wet clothes!!! LOL

[@PRNTestDrive]

Just the right height to hang your socks up if you accidentally walk in a puddle!

[@10tenman10]

Ou tu es. Lived there for a dozen years. Pretty nice area.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We moved last year from Ontario to the Montérégie area.

[@10tenman10]

@@PRNTestDrive Ou tu es is the humerous referral of people (francophones) living in the Outouais (French for Ottawa River/region). I lived there for a dozen years (wonderful area).

[@antoinepageau8336]

Is it just me or is the price of vehicles becoming unreasonable? Even though technically I could afford to make payments on a $75,000 vehicle, does it make any sense? I don't see the value proposition, especially in GM products.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We did look at the other midsize crossovers in the segment, and while something like the Mercedes GLE can get crazy expensive with a AMG model, the 400 was pretty inline with this, same for the BMW X5 xDrive35i.

[@mybro727]

Antoine Pageau if you’re anything like the German badge queen you come across as then it’s not a shocker that you don’t see the value in this car or the reasoning behind it’s price solely because it’s a GM.🤷🏽‍♂️

[@telliesmith9825]

That's like the number2 best selling lux SUV behind the Lexus it was anyway not sure about this yr

[@PRNTestDrive]

Makes sense! We see them everywhere here.

[@frankfrank9437]

The steering wheel is not accommodating to a disabled person. There are no flexible options for disabled people who need a steering wheel that I can only drive in the 5pm and 8p position. Look at the Honda pilot, the Infinity, the Lexus, all have or can get steering wheel for disabled drivers. Why can't General Motors? I am a loyal GM customer and they are totally UNWILLING to work with me! I am going to be forced to buy a pilot or something else! When GM says build your own personal vehicle, that is a lie!

[@PRNTestDrive]

You bring up a very important discussion point that I really don’t see discussed in the automotive review community. I hope you can find the right vehicle for you, the Honda Pilot might not be the most invigorating choice out there but it’s certainly not the worst if you end up having to go with it.

[@frankfrank9437]

The fact is that I love the Cadillac and the Honda pilot is or looks thin on the road, if that makes any sense. The Cadillac appears to have a wider look than the pilot. The look of the Cadillac is far more impressive and the features that I need is going to cost me about the same. Shame on you General Motors!

[@chico1014]

If the car is so jerky with the start stop feature and you can't turn it off then what the hell is so great about this thing,at 75 grand there are much better choices then this

[@PRNTestDrive]

No vehicle is flawless, and this is one issue that has a simple fix to it, considering GM has an override on the CT6.

[@antoinepageau8336]

And is front wheel spin off the line acceptable on a $75k AWD SUV? No BMW or Mercedes would ever do this.

[@shitstain7137]

if their not awd you will.

[@tomtomlinson4826]

The wheels are ugly.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough!